Disadvantages of Bodyweight Training

Disadvantage #1: Progression Difficulty

In weightlifting, you progress by adding more weight, in bodyweight training, you progress by moving to more advanced and complex movements.

Increasing complexity requires that you have more knowledge of bio-mechanics if you want to progress effectively.

In addition, for some gymnastic skill you have to train with static holds. Progressing with static holds is very different from progressing with dynamic movements and requires some more studying from your part.

Disadvantage #2: Limitations in Leg Training

This is a very big drawback of bodyweight training.

While increasing the complexity of movements can help you gain a very strong upper body and core, it can do very little for some leg muscle groups.

Such a muscle group is the quads.

Disadvantages of Weightlifting

Disadvantage #1: Expensive to Start

If you want to train with weights, you need access to equipment.

There are two ways to get such an access:

Buy the equipment yourself

Get a gym membership

Obviously, the first way is way more expensive as you need to make a considerable investment to get all the equipment that your need. But this way gives you more independence and freedom than joining a gym.

Going to the gym is less expensive. There are some great benefits in joining a good gym and most of the times the monthly fee is totally worth it. But even this way, is way more expensive than simply training at home with calisthenics.

Disadvantage #2: Dependence on equipment

If you train with weights only, you become depended on them. As a result, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the equipment available you will have difficulties in getting a quality workout.

The Best Approach

So…

Which one is the best method?

There are clearly many benefits worth considering in both types of training.

My approach in training is to use everything that works and since both methods work I combine them as much as I can.

If you train this way, you will be able to maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of each method.

If you are a beginner, don’t waste too much time on such debates.

Instead pick the method that is more convenient to you and start training immediately. As I shared in the beginning resistance is resistance no matter where it comes from.